Top Trump Tweets - NFL criticism is 2nd-most popular topic on US President's Twitter account

While President Donald Trump is known for both ruling US politics via Twitter and being an avid sports fan, his recent social media activity has been increasingly affected by the ongoing scandal in the National Football League (NFL).

Trump has posted NFL-related tweets since calling for players to be fired for refusing to stand for the national anthem last month, making it the second-most popular topic on his Twitter account.

The NFL protests were just behind Hurricane Maria, which devastated Puerto Rico.

Trump has stated that the issue is not related to race, but urged players, who have been protesting against what they perceive as racial injustice in America, to stand when the Star-Spangled Banner is played before games.

“The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race. It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem. NFL must respect this!” he tweeted on September 25.

The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race. It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem. NFL must respect this!

However, the president’s calls appeared to have had the opposite of their intended effect. In the ensuing weeks, more NFL players have joined the action, which was initiated by the San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick last year.

Earlier this month, Trump took issue with the NFL’s “massive” tax breaks while the League continued, in his view, “disrespecting our Anthem, Flag and Country.”

Why is the NFL getting massive tax breaks while at the same time disrespecting our Anthem, Flag and Country? Change tax law!

Despite Commissioner Roger Goodell stating that the meeting was “very productive and important”, Trump tweeted: “The NFL has decided that it will not force players to stand for the playing of our National Anthem. Total disrespect for our great country!” on October 18.

The NFL has decided that it will not force players to stand for the playing of our National Anthem. Total disrespect for our great country!